Ball Valve Replacement in Goldsworth Park
A homeowner in Goldsworth Park reported that their loft cold water tank was overflowing — water was running continuously out of the overflow pipe on the exterior of the house. They...
Response time
1 hour
Time on site
1.5 hours
Cost range
£145
Warranty
12 months
The Problem
A homeowner in Goldsworth Park reported that their loft cold water tank was overflowing — water was running continuously out of the overflow pipe on the exterior of the house. They could hear the tank refilling constantly even when no water was being used in the house.
The property had a traditional vented system with a cold water storage tank in the loft. The overflow was running onto the roof of an extension below, causing concern about water ingress.
The Diagnosis
We accessed the loft and inspected the cold water storage tank. The ball valve (float valve) was not shutting off when the tank was full — the float arm was moving freely but the valve itself was worn and not sealing. Water was continuously flowing into the tank and out through the overflow.
The ball valve was the original Portsmouth-pattern float valve, approximately 25 years old. The rubber washer inside the valve had perished and the brass seat was worn, preventing a watertight seal. The valve needed replacement.
The Repair
We isolated the water supply to the loft tank at the cold feed valve. The old Portsmouth-pattern ball valve was removed from the tank and replaced with a new Part 2 float valve with a modern plastic float. The new valve was adjusted to the correct water level.
The tank was cleaned of any sediment and the overflow pipe was checked for blockages. The supply was restored and the tank was allowed to fill. The valve shut off cleanly at the correct water level, stopping the overflow.
Isolated supply and removed worn ball valve
Fitted new Part 2 float valve and adjusted water level
Restored supply and confirmed overflow stopped
Outcome & Advice to the Homeowner
The overflow stopped immediately and the tank was operating correctly. The homeowner was relieved that the continuous water waste had been resolved. The new valve was quieter and more reliable than the old one.
We recommended insulating the loft tank and pipework to prevent freezing in winter, and advised exercising the float valve annually by lifting the float arm to confirm the valve shuts off cleanly.
Job Summary
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